Alpha-globin gene markers identify genetic differences between Australian aborigines and Melanesians.

Tsintsof, A S; Hertzberg, M S; Prior, J F; Mickleson, K N; Trent, R J · Am J Hum Genet · 1990

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Australian aborigines exhibit a number of alpha-globin cluster rearrangements involving both alpha- and zeta-globin genes. alpha+-Thalassemia (-alpha/) in this population is heterogeneous and includes the 3.7 types I, II, and III gene deletions. The alpha alpha alpha/ and zeta zeta zeta/ rearrangements are each found in association with two haplotypes, indicating origins from at least two separate DNA crossover events. Differences in alpha-globin cluster rearrangements and in haplotypes between Australian aborigines, Papua New Guinea highlanders and island Melanesians, are consistent with multiple colonizing events into Australia.

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